Follis of Anastasios I c. 498 - 518

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Anastasios I, an ancient coin at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels almost weighty, burdened by history. What do you make of this artifact? Curator: This coin, though small, speaks volumes. The portrait of Anastasios I isn't just a likeness; it's an assertion of power. The "M" on the reverse, representing 40 nummi, isn’t merely currency; it symbolizes imperial economic control. Editor: So the symbols create the message? Curator: Precisely! Each element is a deliberate encoding of values and authority, a visual echo of cultural memory. It's like a miniature propaganda machine, isn't it? Editor: I never thought of it that way! Curator: These objects are dense with intentional meaning. Editor: It's amazing how much a tiny coin can communicate!